Dateline A-284
1972–1974 · 14k Solid Yellow Gold
About the Dateline A-284
Made from 1972 through 1974, the Dateline A-284 is one of Hamilton's more refined entries in the Dateline family, a line built around automatic movements with date displays. It runs on the caliber 694A, housed in a 14k solid yellow gold round case. The Dateline family sits alongside Hamilton's broader push into Swiss-made automatics during the early 1970s, and the A-284 represents the upper tier of that effort in terms of case material.
Solid 14k gold cases from this era wear their age visibly, so case condition matters more here than it would on a steel watch. The gilt dial, when it survives well, gives the watch a warm, cohesive look against the gold case that later versions with different dial treatments don't quite replicate.
From the Catalog
Hamilton listed the A-284 in 14k gold with a gilt dial, pricing it at $250.00 in 1972 and later at $350.00, which placed it firmly in the premium tier of the Dateline lineup at the time.
Hamilton Catalog Images
1972
1973
1974
1975
What to Look For
| Dial | The gilt dial is prone to moisture damage, which shows up as spotting, bubbling near the edges, or separation around the date window. Look at the dial under good light and from an angle to catch anything that reads as flat in a straight-on photo. |
| Crystal | Check the crystal carefully for chips, deep scratches, or crazing. Replacement crystals for this case profile can be difficult to source correctly, so a damaged original is a real cost consideration. |
| Movement | The caliber 694A is an automatic with a date complication, and lubricants dry out over decades in ways that create enough friction to stop the movement or cause it to run erratically. Ask whether the watch has been recently serviced, and verify that the date changes cleanly at midnight. |
| Case | That lug style tends to collect scratches in the recessed areas, and heavy polishing can soften the lines in ways that are hard to reverse. Case backs on watches like this can be tricky to open, so make sure a qualified watchmaker handles any access. |
| Crown | Test the crown in both the winding and date-setting positions. It should move between positions cleanly and feel secure when pushed back in. A loose or sticky crown can indicate worn or missing parts in the stem and setting mechanism. |
The Movement
The caliber 694A is a Swiss-made automatic with a date complication. It winds through a traditional rotor rather than a micro rotor, making it more serviceable than some of Hamilton's more compact automatics from this period. Jewel count data is not confirmed here, but the 694A is a solid, workmanlike movement that, when properly serviced, keeps good time and advances the date reliably.